Are There Any Red Flags? Questions Carlton Needs to Address Following Player’s ‘Disheartening and Troubling’ Performance That Overshadowed the Match

Carlton has faced substantial criticism for permitting forward Elijah Hollands to take part in their defeat to Collingwood on Thursday evening, as unsettling footage of his performance continues to surface.

While the Blues are evidently probing into the peculiar nature of Hollands’ display, there are still considerable gaps in understanding. Primarily: how was it that Hollands was allowed to take to the field, and why wasn’t he substituted out much earlier in the game?

The 23-year-old exhibited erratic behaviour throughout the match, with fans capturing moments of him struggling to kick the ball during warm-up and acting unusually during the game.

Hollands managed only one disposal during the match, a smothered kick in the third quarter, and was finally benched late in the fourth quarter. Coach Michael Voss later remarked that Hollands was “emotional” and “shattered” about his performance.

Reports have since surfaced indicating that the club believes Hollands experienced a mental health episode during the match, dismissing substance or alcohol abuse as contributing factors.

Earlier in the year, Hollands disclosed that he had suffered a panic attack during a game and has been dealing with anxiety and related issues.

A report by SEN mentions that the club noted no “alarm bells” indicating that Hollands was unfit to play ahead of the game.

This is despite pre-game footage captured by fans showing him struggling to kick the football effectively during warm-ups.

A report on Fox Footy after the match indicated that Hollands informed Collingwood players during the game that he wasn’t feeling well.

Without a single stat to his name by half-time, Hollands nonetheless continued to play through the third quarter.

Ultimately, he was benched in the fourth quarter as his difficulties persisted late into the match.

Questions remain regarding how Carlton failed to recognise that something was amiss with Hollands earlier in the game. As highlighted by ABC Sport reporter Daniel Garb on social media, Hollands would have had to report to a line coach overseeing several players both before and during the match.

Former Collingwood star Josh Fraser currently holds the position of forward line coach for Carlton.

As of now, the Blues have not issued a formal statement on the matter, while the AFL has announced it is investigating the incidents leading to Hollands’ participation.

In his post-match press conference, coach Michael Voss stated that Hollands was “quite emotional” following the defeat, feeling that he had let the team down.

However, concerns must be raised about Voss and his coaching team. If they suspect this was indeed a mental health episode, as they appear to have concluded, why did it take nearly three and a half quarters for action to be taken, especially considering Hollands’ history of panic attacks during games?

If he did experience another panic attack, the priority should be ensuring Hollands’ wellbeing. It’s unfortunate that these issues could not be addressed or detected prior to the match, preventing what has turned into an unfortunate situation.

Just last week, Hollands expressed his delight in playing football again and mentioned that he felt he had regained his form after his previous challenges in 2025.

He started the season displaying the best form of his career, earning votes in the AFL Coaches Association Award during rounds three and four.

“I feel like I’m starting to find my feet now, which is nice… I’m really enjoying being back playing,” Hollands commented on the Carlton website prior to the Collingwood match.

“It’ll take time. I used the bye to reset after the first two games. Thanks to the freedom the coaches have given me, I’ve started playing some solid footy.”

Hollands was one of several Carlton players who visited the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre during the week, meeting with patients.

Former Adelaide star Josh Jenkins expressed his support for Hollands during the match.

During the broadcast, it was mentioned that Hollands had difficulty sleeping the night prior to the game and that the club was monitoring his heart rate throughout. A social media post raising this point has since been removed by Channel Seven.

Carlton continues to face intense scrutiny for allowing Hollands to participate in 60 per cent of the game despite evident struggles that were apparent even from the stands.

Numerous analysts have noted the troubling aspects of this situation. Until the Blues issue an official statement, the precise circumstances surrounding their decision to allow him to play remain unclear.

Hollands will undoubtedly be given all the time he requires away from the game, if necessary, and he is likely to be doubtful for the club’s Anzac Day clash with Fremantle in Perth.